Officials celebrate start of new engineering building

05/11/2011

U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (OH-13), announces that the U.S Department of Defense is entering into contracting processes to award an additional $11 million to UA to continue the development of the National Center for Education and Research in Corrosion and Materials Performance. The announcement came during the groundbreaking ceremony for the building that will house the center.

Joe Payer (left), UA research professor of corrosion engineering and reliability, and U.S. Department of Defense Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight Director Dan Dunmire ready for groundbreaking ceremony for the UA College of Engineering's new 39,000-square-foot research facility. The research center will serve as home to the National Center for Education and Research in Corrosion and Materials Performance.

The University of Akron College of Engineering broke ground for a new, 39,000-square-foot research building scheduled to open its first laboratories in winter 2011-12.

During the May 9 groundbreaking ceremony, U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (OH-13), announced that the U.S Department of Defense is entering into contracting processes to award an additional $11 million to UA to continue the development of the National Center for Education and Research in Corrosion and Materials Performance.

The Center was launched with initial funding in fiscal year 2010.

“The new facility will support delivery of the nation’s first baccalaureate degree in corrosion engineering and engage faculty and students in research activities that will produce technologies and processes for reducing the $400 billion dollar annual cost of corrosion to the U.S.,” says Dr. George Haritos, dean of the UA College of Engineering.

Likewise, the Center will provide innovative discoveries that will support growth of Northeast Ohio industries engaged in corrosion prevention and mitigation products and services, and assist them with launching new products, according to Sue Louscher, UA College of Engineering executive director of strategic partnerships and government programs.

And, already, the up-and-coming facility is putting to use the talents of UA College of Engineering graduates.

Engineering alumnus Scott Holmer (’85), who will serve as project superintendent of the building’s construction along with two fellow alumni, says, “It makes me proud to think that we are all graduates and now entrusted with the task of building [this facility] for the University.”

UA President Dr. Luis Proenza, Senior Vice President, Provost and Chief Operating Officer Dr. W. Michael “Mike” Sherman, College of Engineering Dean George Haritos and Vice President for Capital Planning and Facilities Management Ted Curtis break ground with local, state and national political representatives, business community members and other University leaders.